Curaçao culture is notoriously inclusive, so when Carnival season hits, our whole island is invited to multiple parties (children, teen, adult as well as Banda Bou road marches – full schedule here)… And we certainly can’t abandon our beloved horses while we’re out having fun…!
We invite our horses (mostly Paso Fino) to inaugurate our Carnival season in our Parada di Kabai (typically held 2 weeks before our main road march – Gran Marcha).
Decked out in colorful Carnival costumes amateur and experienced riders saddle approximately 100 skeptical horses, jamming stilettos in leather stirrups, decorating saddles, mane and tails to match.
Some horses are designated to pull decorated carriages and karosas (floats), while most fidget and click their hooves to the rhythm of our Tumba, some riders struggle to nudge the way from Otrobanda (Riffort) to Jan Noorduynweg and a select few refuse to take the ridicule… i nan ta kore limpi bai!
Special shout out to Kurason Yen Zjeitoe for displaying the most creative costumes year after year. Enjoy!